Packaged terminal air conditioner unit

ABSTRACT

A packaged terminal air conditioner unit (PTAC) and methods for operating the same are provided. The PTAC includes a bulkhead defining a vent aperture providing fluid communication between an indoor portion and an outdoor portion. A vent door or a make-up air module is positioned proximate the vent aperture for controlling a flow of make-up air passing through the vent aperture. A communication module communicates with a remote source for obtaining outdoor environmental conditions and a controller selectively operates the vent door or the make-up air module based at least in part on the outdoor environmental conditions obtained from the remote source.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to air conditioner units, and more particularly to packaged terminal air conditioner units and related methods of operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Air conditioner or conditioning units are conventionally utilized to adjust the temperature indoors—i.e. within structures such as dwellings and office buildings. Such units commonly include a closed refrigeration loop to heat or cool the indoor air. Typically, the indoor air is recirculated while being heated or cooled. A variety of sizes and configurations are available for such air conditioner units. For example, some units may have one portion installed within the indoors that is connected, by e.g., tubing carrying the refrigerant, to another portion located outdoors. These types of units are typically used for conditioning the air in larger spaces.

Another type of unit, sometimes referred to as a packaged terminal air conditioner unit (PTAC), may be used for somewhat smaller indoor spaces that are to be air conditioned. These units may include both an indoor portion and an outdoor portion separated by a bulkhead and may be installed in windows or positioned within an opening of an exterior wall of a building. Frequently, multiple PTACs are installed in a single location or facility, e.g., such as a hotel with a single PTAC for each room. PTACs often need to draw air from the outdoor portion into the indoor portion. For example, if a bathroom fan is turned on or air is otherwise ejected from the indoor space, fresh air may be required to supplement or make-up for the lost air. Accordingly, certain PTACs allow for the introduction of make-up air into the indoor space, e.g., through a vent aperture defined in the bulkhead.

However, if the outdoor air has a temperature or humidity different than the target temperature and humidity of the room, it may be desirable to condition the incoming outdoor air. Therefore, PTACs generally include outdoor temperature sensors and outdoor humidity sensors for determining whether the make-up air needs to be conditioned. However, these sensors add costs and complicate the design of the PTAC. Moreover, each temperature sensor and humidity sensor are essentially measuring the same environmental conditions, resulting in an inefficient use of resources and unnecessary costs for each unit.

Accordingly, improved air conditioner units and associated methods for obtaining outdoor environmental conditions would be useful. More specifically, packaged terminal air conditioner units and associated methods of operation that can obtain the outdoor temperature and humidity without costly sensors would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a packaged terminal air conditioner unit (PTAC) and methods for operating the same. The PTAC includes a bulkhead defining a vent aperture providing fluid communication between an indoor portion and an outdoor portion. A vent door or a make-up air module is positioned proximate the vent aperture for controlling a flow of make-up air passing through the vent aperture. A communication module communicates with a remote source for obtaining outdoor environmental conditions and a controller selectively operates the vent door or the make-up air module based at least in part on the outdoor environmental conditions obtained from the remote source. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In accordance with one embodiment, a packaged terminal air conditioner unit is provided. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit includes a bulkhead defining an indoor portion and an outdoor portion and a vent aperture defined in the bulkhead and providing fluid communication between the indoor portion and the outdoor portion. A vent door is positioned proximate the vent aperture, the vent door being pivotable between an open position for allowing a flow of make-up air through the vent aperture and a closed position for blocking the flow of make-up air through the vent aperture. A communication module communicates with a remote source for obtaining outdoor environmental conditions and a controller is operably coupled to the communication module and the vent door, the controller being configured for selectively pivoting the vent door between the open position and the closed position based at least in part on the outdoor environmental conditions obtained from the remote source.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method for operating a packaged terminal air conditioner unit is provided. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit includes a bulkhead defining a vent aperture and a vent door pivotally mounted over the vent aperture. The method includes obtaining outdoor environmental conditions from a remote source and selectively pivoting the vent door between an open position and a closed position based at least in part on the outdoor environmental conditions obtained from the remote source.

In accordance with still another embodiment, a packaged terminal air conditioner unit is provided. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit includes a bulkhead defining an indoor portion and an outdoor portion and a vent aperture defined in the bulkhead and providing fluid communication between the indoor portion and the outdoor portion. A make-up air module is positioned proximate the vent aperture and is configured for urging a flow of make-up air from the outdoor portion through the vent aperture to the indoor portion. A communication module communicates with a remote source for obtaining outdoor environmental conditions and a controller is operably coupled to the communication module and the make-up air module, the controller being configured for operating the make-up air module based at least in part on the outdoor environmental conditions obtained from the remote source.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an air conditioner unit, with part of an indoor portion exploded from a remainder of the air conditioner unit for illustrative purposes, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of components of the indoor portion of the exemplary air conditioner unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a refrigeration loop in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of an outdoor portion of the exemplary air conditioner unit of FIG. 1, illustrating a vent aperture in a bulkhead assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the exemplary bulkhead assembly of FIG. 4 with a vent door illustrated in the open position in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the exemplary air conditioner unit and bulkhead assembly of FIG. 4 including a sealed system for conditioning make-up air in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary communication system used by a plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units at a facility for obtaining outdoor environmental conditions from a remote source.

FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary communication system used by a plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units at a facility for obtaining outdoor environmental conditions from a remote source.

FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary communication system used by a plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units at a facility for obtaining outdoor environmental conditions from a remote source.

FIG. 10 depicts certain components of a communication system according to example embodiments of the present subject matter.

FIG. 11 illustrates a method for operating a packaged terminal air conditioner unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an air conditioner unit 10 is provided. The air conditioner unit 10 is a one-unit type air conditioner, also conventionally referred to as a room air conditioner or a packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC). The unit 10 includes an indoor portion 12 and an outdoor portion 14, and generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Each direction V, L, T is perpendicular to each other, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined.

A housing 20 of the unit 10 may contain various other components of the unit 10. Housing 20 may include, for example, a rear grill 22 and a room front 24 which may be spaced apart along the transverse direction T by a wall sleeve 26. The rear grill 22 may be part of the outdoor portion 14, and the room front 24 may be part of the indoor portion 12. Components of the outdoor portion 14, such as an outdoor heat exchanger 30, an outdoor fan 32 (FIG. 2), and a compressor 34 (FIG. 2) may be housed within the wall sleeve 26. A casing 36 may additionally enclose outdoor fan 32, as shown.

Referring now also to FIG. 2, indoor portion 12 may include, for example, an indoor heat exchanger 40 (FIG. 1), a blower fan 42, and a heating unit 44. These components may, for example, be housed behind the room front 24. Additionally, a bulkhead 46 may generally support and/or house various other components or portions thereof of the indoor portion 12, such as the blower fan 42 and the heating unit 44. Bulkhead 46 may generally separate and define the indoor portion 12 and outdoor portion 14.

Outdoor and indoor heat exchangers 30, 40 may be components of a refrigeration loop 48, which is shown schematically in FIG. 3. Refrigeration loop 48 may, for example, further include compressor 34 and an expansion device 50. As illustrated, compressor 34 and expansion device 50 may be in fluid communication with outdoor heat exchanger 30 and indoor heat exchanger 40 to flow refrigerant therethrough as is generally understood. More particularly, refrigeration loop 48 may include various lines for flowing refrigerant between the various components of refrigeration loop 48, thus providing the fluid communication there between. Refrigerant may thus flow through such lines from indoor heat exchanger 40 to compressor 34, from compressor 34 to outdoor heat exchanger 30, from outdoor heat exchanger 30 to expansion device 50, and from expansion device 50 to indoor heat exchanger 40. The refrigerant may generally undergo phase changes associated with a refrigeration cycle as it flows to and through these various components, as is generally understood. Suitable refrigerants for use in refrigeration loop 48 may include pentafluoroethane, difluoromethane, or a mixture such as R410a, although it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such example and rather that any suitable refrigerant may be utilized.

As is understood in the art, refrigeration loop 48 may be alternately be operated as a refrigeration assembly (and thus perform a refrigeration cycle) or a heat pump (and thus perform a heat pump cycle). As shown in FIG. 3, when refrigeration loop 48 is operating in a cooling mode and thus performs a refrigeration cycle, the indoor heat exchanger 40 acts as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger 30 acts as a condenser. Alternatively, when the assembly is operating in a heating mode and thus performs a heat pump cycle, the indoor heat exchanger 40 acts as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 30 acts as an evaporator. The outdoor and indoor heat exchangers 30, 40 may each include coils through which a refrigerant may flow for heat exchange purposes, as is generally understood.

According to an example embodiment, compressor 34 may be a variable speed compressor. In this regard, compressor 34 may be operated at various speeds depending on the current air conditioning needs of the room and the demand from refrigeration loop 48. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, compressor 34 may be configured to operate at any speed between a minimum speed, e.g., 1500 revolutions per minute (RPM), to a maximum rated speed, e.g., 3500 RPM. Notably, use of variable speed compressor 34 enables efficient operation of refrigeration loop 48 (and thus air conditioner unit 10), minimizes unnecessary noise when compressor 34 does not need to operate at full speed, and ensures a comfortable environment within the room.

In exemplary embodiments as illustrated, expansion device 50 may be disposed in the outdoor portion 14 between the indoor heat exchanger 40 and the outdoor heat exchanger 30. According to the exemplary embodiment, expansion device 50 may be an electronic expansion valve that enables controlled expansion of refrigerant, as is known in the art. More specifically, electronic expansion device 50 may be configured to precisely control the expansion of the refrigerant to maintain, for example, a desired temperature differential of the refrigerant across the indoor heat exchanger 40. In other words, electronic expansion device 50 throttles the flow of refrigerant based on the reaction of the temperature differential across indoor heat exchanger 40 or the amount of superheat temperature differential, thereby ensuring that the refrigerant is in the gaseous state entering compressor 34. According to alternative embodiments, expansion device 50 may be a capillary tube or another suitable expansion device configured for use in a thermodynamic cycle.

According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, outdoor fan 32 is an axial fan and indoor blower fan 42 is a centrifugal fan. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, outdoor fan 32 and blower fan 42 may be any suitable fan type. In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment, outdoor fan 32 and blower fan 42 are variable speed fans. For example, outdoor fan 32 and blower fan 42 may rotate at different rotational speeds, thereby generating different air flow rates. It may be desirable to operate fans 32, 42 at less than their maximum rated speed to ensure safe and proper operation of refrigeration loop 48 at less than its maximum rated speed, e.g., to reduce noise when full speed operation is not needed. In addition, according to alternative embodiments, fans 32, 42 may be operated to urge make-up air into the room.

According to the illustrated embodiment, blower fan 42 may operate as an evaporator fan in refrigeration loop 48 to encourage the flow of air through indoor heat exchanger 40. Accordingly, blower fan 42 may be positioned downstream of indoor heat exchanger 40 along the flow direction of indoor air and downstream of heating unit 44. Alternatively, blower fan 42 may be positioned upstream of indoor heat exchanger 40 along the flow direction of indoor air, and may operate to push air through indoor heat exchanger 40.

Heating unit 44 in exemplary embodiments includes one or more heater banks 60. Each heater bank 60 may be operated as desired to produce heat. In some embodiments as shown, three heater banks 60 may be utilized. Alternatively, however, any suitable number of heater banks 60 may be utilized. Each heater bank 60 may further include at least one heater coil or coil pass 62, such as in exemplary embodiments two heater coils or coil passes 62. Alternatively, other suitable heating elements may be utilized.

The operation of air conditioner unit 10 including compressor 34 (and thus refrigeration loop 48 generally) blower fan 42, outdoor fan 32, heating unit 44, expansion device 50, and other components of refrigeration loop 48 may be controlled by a processing device such as a controller 64. Controller 64 may be in communication (via for example a suitable wired or wireless connection) to such components of the air conditioner unit 10. As described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 10, the controller 64 may include a memory and one or more processing devices such as microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of unit 10. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.

Unit 10 may additionally include a control panel 66 and one or more user inputs 68, which may be included in control panel 66. The user inputs 68 may be in communication with the controller 64. A user of the unit 10 may interact with the user inputs 68 to operate the unit 10, and user commands may be transmitted between the user inputs 68 and controller 64 to facilitate operation of the unit 10 based on such user commands. A display 70 may additionally be provided in the control panel 66, and may be in communication with the controller 64. Display 70 may, for example be a touchscreen or other text-readable display screen, or alternatively may simply be a light that can be activated and deactivated as required to provide an indication of, for example, an event or setting for the unit 10.

Referring briefly to FIG. 4, a vent aperture 80 may be defined in bulkhead 46 providing fluid communication between indoor portion 12 and outdoor portion 14. Vent aperture 80 may be utilized in an installed air conditioner unit 10 to allow outdoor air to flow into the room through the indoor portion 12. In this regard, in some cases it may be desirable to allow outside air (i.e., “make-up air”) to flow into the room in order, e.g., to control the indoor temperature or humidity, or to compensate for negative pressure created within the room. In this manner, according to an exemplary embodiment, make-up air may be provided into the room through vent aperture 80 when desired.

As shown in FIG. 5, a vent door 82 may be pivotally mounted to the bulkhead 46 proximate to vent aperture 80 to open and close vent aperture 80. More specifically, as illustrated, vent door 82 is pivotally mounted to the indoor facing surface of indoor portion 12. Vent door 82 may be configured to pivot between a first, closed position where vent door 82 prevents air from flowing between outdoor portion 14 and indoor portion 12, and a second, open position where vent door 82 is in an open position (as shown in FIG. 5) and allows make-up air to flow into the room. According to the illustrated embodiment vent door 82 may be pivoted between the open and closed position by an electric motor 84 controlled by controller 64, or by any other suitable method.

In some cases, it may be desirable to treat or condition make-up air flowing through vent aperture 80 prior to blowing it into the room. For example, outdoor air which has a relatively high humidity level may require treating before passing into the room. In addition, if the outdoor air is cool, it may be desirable to heat the air before blowing it into the room. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 6, unit 10 may further include an auxiliary sealed system, or make-up air module 90, for conditioning make-up air. As illustrated, make-up air module 90 includes an auxiliary fan 92 that is configured as part of auxiliary sealed system 90 and may be configured for urging a flow of air through auxiliary sealed system 90. Auxiliary sealed system 90 may further includes one or more compressors, heat exchangers, and any other components suitable for operating auxiliary sealed system 90 similar to refrigeration loop 48 described above to condition make-up air. For example, auxiliary system 90 can be operated in a dehumidification mode, an air conditioning mode, a heating mode, an fan only mode where only auxiliary fan 92 is operated to supply outdoor air, an idle mode, etc. According to the illustrated embodiment auxiliary sealed system 90 may be controlled by controller 64, by another dedicated controller, or by any other suitable method.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 7 through 9 exemplary communication systems 100 that may be used to share outdoor environmental conditions will be described. As illustrated, communication systems 100 are used by a plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units 10 located at a single location or facility 102 for obtaining outdoor environmental conditions. As used herein, a “facility” may be used to refer to a single location where multiple units 10 are operating in close proximity. For example, a facility may be a motel, a hotel, an office building, or any other commercial or residential location. In addition, as used herein, a source or server is considered to be “remote” to a particular unit 10 if it is not assembled as a part of that unit 10 or is otherwise not proximate to that unit 10, e.g., the source is located on another unit 10 within facility 102 or on a network.

Notably, by sharing outdoor environmental conditions as described, the need for dedicated sensors for measuring those environmental conditions may be eliminated. As used herein, “outdoor environmental conditions” may be used to refer to the outdoor temperature, the outdoor humidity, or any other outdoor condition which may be used by a packaged terminal air conditioner unit 10 to facilitate improved operation. Thus, for example, the methods described herein eliminate the need for duplicative installation and operation of temperature sensors, humidity sensors, or other sensors desired or necessary for unit 10, such that these sensors may be eliminated in some or all of the units 10.

The outdoor environmental conditions may be used to operate unit 10 in any suitable manner. For example, the operation of make-up air module 90 may be controlled or vent door 82 may be opened or closed to allow or block, respectively, the flow of make-up air into indoor portion 12. According to other embodiments, refrigeration loop 48 and fans 32, 42 may be used to supply and/or condition make-up air or other any suitable control action may be implemented by controller 64 based at least in part on the outdoor environmental conditions.

For example, referring specifically to FIG. 7, facility 102 includes six units 10 for conditioning six different rooms within facility 102. As illustrated, one unit 10, which may be referred to as the “parent” unit 10 includes a temperature sensor 104 and a humidity sensor 106 positioned on an outdoor portion 14 of the unit 10 for measuring the outdoor temperature and the outdoor humidity, respectively. Each unit 10 further includes a controller, such as controller 64. As illustrated, parent unit 10 has a direct communication link with each child unit 10 for communicating outdoor environmental conditions. As will be explained below with respect to FIG. 10, parent unit 10 and child units 10 may communicate directly or indirectly, via a wired or wireless connection, or in any other suitable manner. For example, each unit 10 may be connected to a mesh network such that information is cascaded down from unit 10 to unit 10 or units 10 may communicate indirectly through a network 110 as described below.

Referring now to FIG. 8, communication system 100 may include a dedicated weather station 120 for obtaining and communicating local weather conditions. For example, weather station 120 may be located at facility 102 and include temperature sensor 104 and humidity sensor 106. As illustrated, dedicated weather station 120 includes a station controller 122 including a communication module for providing direct communication with each unit 10, e.g., via a suitable wired or wireless connection, for communicating the obtained outdoor temperature and humidity. Although dedicated weather station 120 is illustrated as being in direct communication with each unit 10, it should be appreciated that indirect communication may also be established, e.g., via network 110, through a local server, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 9, communication system 100 is configured such that each unit 10 is in wireless communication with network 110, which according to the exemplary embodiment is a wide area network (e.g., the Internet). The outdoor environmental conditions are obtained via network 110 from an external weather service 124, e.g., a web-based weather provider such as the National Weather Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Weather.com, etc. Although each unit 10 is illustrated as being directly connected to network 110, one or more intermediate networks, such as a local network, may be used as to receive the outdoor environmental conditions from network 110 and distribute that information to units 10, e.g., through a suitable wired or wireless connection.

As described above, FIGS. 7 through 9 describe exemplary configurations of communication systems 100 for sharing outdoor environmental conditions for the purpose of explaining aspects of the present subject matter. However, it should be appreciated that although specific exemplary embodiments are described, modifications and variations may be made to the illustrated communication systems 100 while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. For example, communications could be wired or wireless, networks could be local or wide area networks, alternative outdoor environmental conditions could be shared, any suitable number of units 10 could be connected, and/or different communication protocols may be used.

FIG. 10 depicts communication system 100 according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown and described above, each unit 10 and/or dedicated weather station 120 can include one or more controllers 64, 122 which can be configured to communicate directly or via one or more network(s) (e.g., network(s) 110). Controllers 64, 122 can include one or more computing device(s) 130. Although similar reference numerals will be used herein for describing the computing device(s) 130 associated with controllers 64, 122, respectively, it should be appreciated that each of controllers 64, 122 may have a dedicated computing device 130 not shared with the other. According to still another embodiment, only a single computing device 130 may be used to implement method 200 as described below, and that computing device 130 may be included as part of controllers 64, 122.

Computing device(s) 130 can include one or more processor(s) 130A and one or more memory device(s) 130B. The one or more processor(s) 130A can include any suitable processing device, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), logic device, one or more central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs) (e.g., dedicated to efficiently rendering images), processing units performing other specialized calculations, etc. The memory device(s) 130B can include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage medium(s), such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, etc., and/or combinations thereof.

The memory device(s) 130B can include one or more computer-readable media and can store information accessible by the one or more processor(s) 130A, including instructions 130C that can be executed by the one or more processor(s) 130A. For instance, the memory device(s) 130B can store instructions 130C for running one or more software applications, displaying a user interface, receiving user input, processing user input, etc. In some implementations, the instructions 130C can be executed by the one or more processor(s) 130A to cause the one or more processor(s) 130A to perform operations, as described herein (e.g., one or more portions of method 200). More specifically, for example, the instructions 130C may be executed to transmit and/or receive outdoor environmental conditions. The instructions 130C can be software written in any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the instructions 130C can be executed in logically and/or virtually separate threads on processor(s) 130A.

The one or more memory device(s) 130B can also store data 130D that can be retrieved, manipulated, created, or stored by the one or more processor(s) 130A. The data 130D can include, for instance, data indicative of outdoor environmental conditions or operating parameters associated with such conditions. The data 130D can be stored in one or more database(s). The one or more database(s) can be connected to controller 64 and/or controller 122 by a high bandwidth LAN or WAN, or can also be connected to controller through network(s) 110. The one or more database(s) can be split up so that they are located in multiple locales. In some implementations, the data 130D can be received from another device.

The computing device(s) 130 can also include a communication module or interface 130E used to communicate with one or more other component(s) of communication system (e.g., controller 64 or controller 122) over the network(s) 110. The communication interface 130E can include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more network(s), including for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, or other suitable components.

The network(s) 110 can be any type of communications network, such as a local area network (e.g. intranet), wide area network (e.g. Internet), cellular network, or some combination thereof and can include any number of wired and/or wireless links. The network(s) 110 can also include a direct connection between one or more component(s) of communication system 100. In general, communication over the network(s) 110 can be carried via any type of wired and/or wireless connection, using a wide variety of communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g., HTML, XML), and/or protection schemes (e.g., VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

The technology discussed herein makes reference to servers, databases, software applications, and other computer-based systems, as well as actions taken and information sent to and from such systems. It should be appreciated that the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for a great variety of possible configurations, combinations, and divisions of tasks and functionality between and among components. For instance, computer processes discussed herein can be implemented using a single computing device or multiple computing devices (e.g., servers) working in combination. Databases and applications can be implemented on a single system or distributed across multiple systems. Distributed components can operate sequentially or in parallel. Furthermore, computing tasks discussed herein as being performed at the computing system (e.g., a server system) can instead be performed at a user computing device. Likewise, computing tasks discussed herein as being performed at the user computing device can instead be performed at the computing system.

Now that the construction of air conditioner unit 10 and the configuration of communication system 100 according to exemplary embodiments has been presented, an exemplary method 200 of operating a packaged terminal air conditioner unit will be described. Although the discussion below refers to the exemplary method 200 of operating air conditioner unit 10, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary method 200 is applicable to the operation of a variety of other air conditioning appliances. In exemplary embodiments, the various method steps as disclosed herein may be performed by controller 64.

Referring now to FIG. 11, method 200 includes, at step 210, obtaining outdoor environmental conditions from a remote source. As explained above, the remote source may be another unit 10 located at the same facility 102, a dedicated weather station 120, or an external Internet weather service. In addition, the outdoor environmental conditions may be obtained from these remote sources through any suitable wired or wireless connection, e.g., a local network, a remote server, the Internet, etc.

Method 200 further includes, at step 220, selectively pivoting a vent door between an open position and a closed position based at least in part on the outdoor environmental conditions obtained from the remote source. Using unit 10 as an example, if controller 64 determines, based on the outdoor environmental conditions, that it is desirable to allow make-up air through vent aperture 80, vent door 82 may be pivoted to the open position. For example, this may be desirable when the indoor temperature is above the target temperature and the temperature of the outdoor air is below the indoor temperature and has low humidity.

Method 200 further includes, at step 230, operating a make-up air module to urge a flow of make-up air through a vent aperture based at least in part on the outdoor environmental conditions obtained from the remote source. Once again using unit 10 as an example, controller 64 may operate make-up air module 90 to urge a flow of outdoor air into indoor portion 12, to compensate for a negative pressure within indoor portion 12. However, by obtaining outdoor environmental conditions from the remote source, controller 64 may determine that it is necessary to condition the make-up air, e.g., by lowering its temperature or humidity relative to the outdoor temperature and humidity.

FIG. 11 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that the steps of any of the methods discussed herein can be adapted, rearranged, expanded, omitted, or modified in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, although aspects of method 200 are explained using unit 10 as an example, it should be appreciated that this method may be applied to obtain outdoor environmental data for any suitable air conditioner unit.

The construction of units 10, communication systems 100, and methods 200 described above provide a means for operating a plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units 10 at a single facility 102 using fewer temperatures sensors and without otherwise adding to the cost of manufacturing each unit 10. In this regard, the units 10 and method 200 require no additional components or sensors because they utilize components already present in conventional PTACs with make-up air modules. By obtaining outdoor environmental conditions from a remote source, fewer sensors are required to operate a facility 102 having multiple units for providing make-up air and improving the general operation of the units 10. In addition, fewer components are needed, so costs are reduced, assembly is simplified, reliability is increased, and maintenance costs are reduced.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A packaged terminal air conditioner unit comprising: a bulkhead defining an indoor portion and an outdoor portion; a vent aperture defined in the bulkhead and providing fluid communication between the indoor portion and the outdoor portion; a vent door positioned proximate the vent aperture, the vent door being pivotable between an open position for allowing a flow of make-up air through the vent aperture and a closed position for blocking the flow of make-up air through the vent aperture; a communication module for communicating with a remote source for obtaining outdoor environmental conditions; and a controller operably coupled to the communication module and the vent door, the controller being configured for selectively pivoting the vent door between the open position and the closed position based at least in part on the outdoor environmental conditions obtained from the remote source.
 2. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit of claim 1, further comprising: a sealed system comprising an outdoor heat exchanger disposed in the outdoor portion, an indoor heat exchanger disposed in the indoor portion, a compressor, and an expansion device, the sealed system being configured for urging the flow of make-up air from the outdoor portion through the vent aperture to the indoor portion based at least in part on the outdoor environmental conditions obtained from the remote source.
 3. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit of claim 1, further comprising: a make-up air module positioned proximate the vent aperture and being configured for urging the flow of make-up air from the outdoor portion through the vent aperture to the indoor portion based at least in part on the outdoor environmental conditions obtained from the remote source.
 4. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein the packaged terminal air conditioner unit is a first unit of a plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units located within a single facility, and wherein the remote source for obtaining the outdoor environmental conditions is a second unit of the plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units.
 5. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein the remote source for obtaining the outdoor environmental conditions is a remote server.
 6. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit of claim 5, wherein the remote server is in communication with the Internet to obtain the outdoor environmental conditions from a weather service.
 7. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit of claim 5, wherein the packaged terminal air conditioner unit is a first unit of a plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units located within a single facility, and wherein the remote server obtains the outdoor environmental conditions from a second unit of the plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units.
 8. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein the packaged terminal air conditioner unit is located at a facility including a plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units and the remote source is a dedicated weather station remote from the plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units but located at the facility.
 9. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein the communication module is a wireless communication module in wireless communication with the remote source.
 10. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit of claim 1, wherein the outdoor environmental conditions comprise at least one of an outdoor humidity and an outdoor temperature.
 11. A method for operating a packaged terminal air conditioner unit, the packaged terminal air conditioner unit comprising a bulkhead defining a vent aperture and a vent door pivotally mounted over the vent aperture, the method comprising: obtaining outdoor environmental conditions from a remote source; and selectively pivoting the vent door between an open position and a closed position based at least in part on the outdoor environmental conditions obtained from the remote source.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the remote source for obtaining the outdoor environmental conditions is a remote server.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the packaged terminal air conditioner unit is a first unit of a plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units located within a single facility, and wherein obtaining the outdoor environmental conditions from the remote source comprises: obtaining the outdoor environmental conditions directly from a second unit of the plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the packaged terminal air conditioner unit comprises a make-up air module positioned proximate the vent aperture, the method further comprising: operating the make-up air module to urge a flow of make-up air through the vent aperture based at least in part on the outdoor environmental conditions obtained from the remote source.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the packaged terminal air conditioner unit is located at a facility including a plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units and the remote source is a dedicated weather station remote from the plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units but located at the facility.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the packaged terminal air conditioner unit comprises a wireless communication module that is in wireless communication with the remote source.
 17. A packaged terminal air conditioner unit comprising: a bulkhead defining an indoor portion and an outdoor portion; a vent aperture defined in the bulkhead and providing fluid communication between the indoor portion and the outdoor portion; a make-up air module positioned proximate the vent aperture and being configured for urging a flow of make-up air from the outdoor portion through the vent aperture to the indoor portion; a communication module for communicating with a remote source for obtaining outdoor environmental conditions; and a controller operably coupled to the communication module and the make-up air module, the controller being configured for operating the make-up air module based at least in part on the outdoor environmental conditions obtained from the remote source.
 18. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit of claim 17, wherein the packaged terminal air conditioner unit is a first unit of a plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units located within a single facility, and wherein the remote source for obtaining the outdoor environmental conditions is a second unit of the plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units.
 19. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit of claim 17, wherein the remote source for obtaining the outdoor environmental conditions is a remote server.
 20. The packaged terminal air conditioner unit of claim 17, wherein the packaged terminal air conditioner unit is located at a facility including a plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units and the remote source is a dedicated weather station remote from the plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units but located at the facility. 